Community hero Ashley Banton has received the most nominations so far in a campaign highlighting those who have gone above and beyond during the coronavirus crisis.

Ashley, the owner of Measham Hardware, has notched up 38 nominations in the North West Leicestershire District Council campaign.

But community-spirited Ashley, who has owned the store for three years, told Ashby Nub News: "I'm not a hero, I'm just a man who runs a hardware store."

Clearly there are many who disagree.

Since the start of the coronavirus lockdown, Ashley has created a new room at the High Street store stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes and bread and store cupboard essentials.

He and his five-strong team of staff take telephone orders then pack and deliver free within a five mile radius of the shop - frequently within just an hour of receiving a call.

Early in pandemic, when panic-buying was rife, Ashley drove miles to pick up 5,000 loo rolls.

"We are doing whatever we can do, we always have done," explained Ashley, who is born and bred in Measham.

"There are a lot of vulnerable people in the community who can't get out.

"We don't want them struggling.

"If we don't have something in stock here, we will go to the supermarket to get it.

"We have to make sure people aren't going without."

North West Leicestershire District Council is asking residents to nominate individuals and groups who will be thanked for their contribution on the local authority's social media channels.

Nominees could be a community group making an outstanding contribution, an individual going the extra mile to support someone in need or someone responsible for a heart-warming act of kindness.

You can nominate an individual or a group - and upload a photo of them - here